Beyond the Blueprint: How ConstructConnect Built a Top National Workplace

CINCINNATI, OH – April 09, 2026 – In a fiercely competitive market where talent is the ultimate currency, construction technology firm ConstructConnect has secured a significant national honor, earning a spot on the 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces list. The award distinguishes the Cincinnati-based company for its commitment to a "people-first" culture, an accolade determined not by a panel of judges, but by the confidential feedback of its own employees.

The recognition places ConstructConnect among an elite group of companies with 150 or more employees that have demonstrated an exceptional ability to listen to and engage their workforce. This year, more than 42,000 organizations across the country were invited to participate, making the achievement a notable differentiator in the crowded tech landscape.

"Receiving this recognition from USA TODAY is a true reflection of the incredible team members we have at ConstructConnect," said Scott Conklin, the company's Chief People Officer. "Our people are the foundation of everything we do, and this award affirms that our commitment to listening, engaging, and investing in our team is making a real difference. We are proud to foster a culture where everyone has the opportunity to grow and thrive."

The Anatomy of an Award-Winning Culture

Unlike many corporate awards, the USA TODAY Top Workplaces honor is rooted entirely in employee sentiment. The process is managed by Energage, an HR technology and research firm that has been analyzing workplace cultures for two decades. Participating companies' employees complete a confidential 24-question survey that measures key drivers of engagement, such as feeling valued, opportunities for growth, leadership transparency, and work-life balance.

Energage's methodology is designed to ensure authenticity. The firm has surveyed over 30 million employees from more than 80,000 organizations since 2006, creating a vast dataset that serves as a national benchmark. To maintain integrity, Energage includes control measures to detect if employees feel pressured to respond positively, a factor that can lead to disqualification.

"Earning a USA TODAY Top Workplaces award is a testament to an organization's credibility and commitment to a people-first culture," explained Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. "This award, driven by real employee feedback, is more than just a recognition — it's proof that your employees believe in the organization and its leadership. Job seekers and customers look for this trusted badge of credibility and excellence."

This data-driven approach aims to move beyond corporate marketing and provide a genuine snapshot of the internal employee experience, signaling to the outside world that the company's values are more than just words on a website.

Building More Than Software

For ConstructConnect, a company providing software and market intelligence to the preconstruction industry for over a century, the award validates a series of deliberate cultural initiatives. The company's philosophy is anchored by five core values, with "People First" listed at the top. This value is defined by a commitment to supporting employees both professionally and personally, fostering trust, and celebrating individuality.

This commitment materializes through several concrete programs. The company supports five distinct Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)—including BIPOC, Women's Group, LGBTQ+ and Allies, Neurodiversity, and Veterans—to foster an inclusive environment. It also promotes community engagement by offering employees paid time off for volunteering and hosting an annual charity golf tournament.

Employee well-being is another cornerstone of its strategy. The firm offers resources like virtual yoga classes and partners with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to provide mental health support. In terms of benefits, ConstructConnect offers a comprehensive package that includes an employee stock purchasing plan and Open Paid Time Off (PTO) for its exempt team members, a perk that provides significant flexibility. This focus on holistic support appears to be a key factor in its high employee satisfaction ratings.

The leadership under Chief People Officer Scott Conklin, who joined in September 2025 with over 25 years of HR experience at major companies like The Coca-Cola Company and NTT DATA, has continued to champion this people-centric vision. His appointment signaled a continued focus on strengthening the organizational culture and empowering employees to drive innovation.

A Competitive Edge in the Talent Wars

The recognition comes at a critical time. The technology sector continues to face a significant talent shortage, with fierce competition for skilled software developers, data analysts, and product managers. Simultaneously, the construction industry is undergoing a rapid digital transformation, making companies like ConstructConnect pivotal players. In this environment, a strong, validated employer brand is a powerful strategic asset.

Publicly available data suggests the award reflects a genuine sentiment. On the employee review platform Comparably, ConstructConnect holds an "A+" culture score, ranking it first among its direct competitors. This places it ahead of other major industry players like Autodesk and Procore Technologies in terms of employee-reported cultural satisfaction. Reviews frequently highlight the quality of coworkers, supportive management outside of high-pressure sales roles, and a strong sense of team collaboration.

While no company is without its critics—some online reviews mention the pressures of sales quotas and the challenges of rapid organizational change—the overall consensus points to a positive and supportive work environment. This reputation is invaluable for attracting top-tier candidates who increasingly prioritize culture, work-life balance, and professional development alongside compensation. By securing an award based on authentic employee feedback, ConstructConnect has gained a verifiable tool to stand out in a job market where prospective employees are more discerning than ever. The distinction not only helps in attracting new talent but also serves as a powerful retention tool, reinforcing to current employees that their voices are heard and valued.